Ghana has elected John Mahama as its new president in a peaceful election, marking his historic return to power.
The victory makes Mahama, who previously served as president from 2013 to 2017, the first leader in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to regain the presidency after an electoral defeat.
His triumph comes amid pressing economic challenges for the West African nation.
Mahama, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), defeated Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Bawumia graciously conceded defeat during a press conference in Accra, saying, “The Ghanaian people have voted for change, and we accept this verdict with humility.”
Simultaneously, the NDC secured a majority in parliamentary elections, as confirmed by internal NPP figures.
Celebrations and International Commendations
Supporters of the NDC took to the streets of Accra, waving the party’s green, white, and red flags in jubilation.
“He has returned to rebuild Ghana,” said Leyla Alhassan, a trader and staunch Mahama supporter.
The election was praised by international observers, including the U.S. Embassy in Accra, which described it as a reflection of “the will of the Ghanaian people.”
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also commended Mahama’s victory and acknowledged Bawumia’s statesmanship in accepting the results.
Jean Mensa, chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, urged calm during the final stages of vote counting, as minor tensions in some collation centers caused delays.
Economic Challenges Ahead
Mahama’s victory comes against a backdrop of economic difficulties following eight years of NPP governance under Nana Akufo-Addo.
High inflation and unemployment have fueled public frustration, despite some stabilization of macroeconomic indicators.
At 66, Mahama has vowed to implement sweeping reforms to revive the economy and tackle corruption.
His running mate, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, also made history as Ghana’s first female vice president.
Isolated Incidents Mar Otherwise Peaceful Vote
The election was largely peaceful, though two isolated incidents in the northern and central regions resulted in two fatalities, according to police reports.
Ghana’s smooth transfer of power reinforces its reputation as a beacon of democracy in a region often troubled by political instability and security challenges.
